We have about one month to go until the Andover Fourth of July celebration! We are hoping to have a record number of floats this year, thinking that the theme, American Heroes, will inspire people to put something together for the parade.
As usual, the Andover Lions Club will be putting on its spectacular pancake breakfast starting at 7 AM at AE/MS. After a hearty breakfast, head over to the Festival on the Green to check out this years’s offerings from vendors and some new features such as games for kids, a photo exhibit, and an old-time engine display.
The committee has also asked the Andover Historical Society to display something special for everyone. Later in the morning, the Kearsarge Community Band will play their selections of patriotic and marching songs.
The Kids Parade will form at a new location and time this year. This is an accommodation for those of you who have found this to be a long, hot wait with young children. The children will gather at the Andover Fire Station at 11:30 AM with judging at 11:45 AM. So don’t be late! We can’t wait to see what the kids come up with this year!
The parade will begin, as usual, at noon at the Proctor Field House. Leading up to that would be a good time to grab lunch or a snack from the many food vendors on the Village Green!
We have already confirmed the following previous parade entries: Captain Morrill’s Company, the Bektash Drum and Bugle Corp, Leapin’ Lena, New Hampshire Pipes and Drums, plus The Lyme Town Band, which will be a new entry. Volunteers will be judging the floats, cars, and animals, with cash prizes awarded.
From 1 PM until evening there will be live music and refreshments on the Village Green. Keep an eye out for other activities, such as softball games, around town.
The fireworks will again be launched from the Proctor Ski Area. The committee has requested high-altitude displays with some big boomers (at the request of some of last year’s spectators). Select viewing spots will be Carr Field, the Village Green, and Corson Field (behind the school).
In the case of rain, all the Village Green activities will take place on Saturday, July 9, and there will be no parade on July 4. If the parade is cancelled on July 4, then parade entrants are invited to line up on July 9 at the beginning of Lawrence Street for viewing and judging.
Anyone interested in participating in the parade should call Donna French at 735-6131. Anyone interested in a space on the Village Green should contact Doug Phelps at 802-310-1045 or Doug.Phelps80@nullgmail.com.